So, this chapter is been long awaited and requested by many people. I hope you all like it and thanks for reading this story to the end.
Updated: 3/5/2014
…
"It is time," a voice spoke softly, its fingers steeped together. "We've waited long enough."
"Agreed," another voice murmured, their hands rubbing their temples. "We've looked long enough as well. There is not another."
"But to rip them apart… Is it necessary?" This question was asked by a third voice, one who was softer than the others.
"Yes. There is no other way I'm afraid."
"But you cannot-"
"We can, and we will."
"We don't have a choice."
"He will see reason."
"We will make sure of it."
"There are those in the town who do not like him."
"We will use them if necessary."
"No. Don't do this! There must be-"
"You know there isn't!"
"But-"
"No more 'buts'. We've put this off long enough. We must act."
"Soon, before it is too late."
"We will go tomorrow morning. Give him this last night at least, please." There was silence, as if the other two voices were contemplating this.
"Very well. Tomorrow morning, we will come for him."
"He better enjoy this last night of his."
…
Ethan's breath hitched in his chest as he was saying goodbye to his parents; they were going out for the night, and Jane was staying at a friend's house. Ethan was going to be alone, with Benny, all night.
Not to mention it was also their one year anniversary.
Ethan watched his family drive off before he fell to the couch. How had a year passed already? Where had the time gone?
Ethan knew the answer to that; monsters. They had been so busy battling monsters that the time had just flown by.
And now…
Now Ethan and Benny were at the one year mark.
Which meant that Ethan had to give into a promise he had been holding off on for as long as possible.
Of course, he wanted to do it, but he was nervous. With his luck, they would do it, and something terrible would happen.
"That's not gonna happen E." Ethan could practically hear Benny's words of encouragement echoing in his ears. Closing his eyes, he snuggled against the couch to enjoy the few moments of peace he would get before Benny came over.
…
She paced, her heels clicking angrily against the tile. She knew what today was, and she wanted to stop them before things went too far.
But she had to be careful; she had already been threatened once by the no-good-spellmaster.
"If you come near him again, and I hear about it, I will make sure to make you explode into a pile of dust."
"You can't do that to me!"
"Want to bet?"
She shivered as she remembered that; it was very possible that he would do that to her if she got too close to Ethan.
With an aggravated huff, she plopped down onto her couch and crossed her arms; there had to be a way to break them up.
Once and for all.
…
Benny looked in his bag, hoping he had everything he needed; he had nerded it up and done some research to make sure this would be the best night of their lives… of course, everything had to go according to plan – that didn't always work out for them.
He slung his bag over his shoulder and ran his hands through his already-messy hair once, checking out his appearance in the hall mirror before he took a deep breath to calm his shattered nerves.
Glancing at his watch to check the time, Benny turned and left his house, taking determined steps to the one next door.
He was ready for this.
[Even if he was nervous.]
…
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Can I come in?"
"Do you have to ask?" Benny chuckled as he walked in, scratching the back of his neck.
"Um, I got you something… For our one year," he said, digging in his bad and pulling out a decoratively-wrapped box.
"I got you something too," Ethan said, turning to face the stairs. "It's in my r-room." Benny chuckled at how flustered Ethan really was about this.
"Want me to come with?" Ethan stopped on the stairs and looked at Benny, the conflict in his eyes at this question burning bright.
"…Yeah, come on."
…
Sarah was still sitting on her couch, her foot bouncing in aggravation.
She couldn't think of any way to break those two up; part of her, the good girl part, knew trying to break them up wasn't the right thing to do.
But then there was the vampire part; and she wanted Ethan.
Stupid, nerdy Ethan.
Biting her lip, she got up and grabbed her jacket.
No harm in going to see them right now, was there?
…
"So… here you go," Ethan said awkwardly, handing Benny his gift. Benny smiled and ripped open the paper, hearing the same sound next to him as Ethan opened his gift. There was silence as the two of them looked at them before Ethan spoke. "We spend too much time together."
Benny laughed as he nodded. "Yeah, we do," he said, holding his gift up. Ethan chuckled and held up his.
"I like the new camera," Ethan said, looking at it.
"And I like my new video camera," Benny said, a thought popping up in his head; he moved closer to Ethan and whispered to him, "maybe I can put it to use tonight." Ethan's face got bright red as he stumbled back, shaking his head. Benny laughed and said, "I was just kidding E. Come here." Ethan looked extremely relieved as he moved to Benny, who wrapped him in a hug and kissed his forehead. Ethan began to relax as Benny moved them so they could sit on the bed. "I really do like it though."
"Good. I'm glad."
"And you like the camera?"
"Yeah! I've been needing a new one. Once I get it charged up, my first picture will be of us," he said, getting up and ripping open the box; as he began to set up the camera to charge, Benny did the same with his video camera. Once the two were ready, Ethan sat back down.
"Happy anniversary," Benny told him, making him smile.
"Happy anniversary." The two shared a soft kiss, and then another, before Ethan pushed Benny back so he was lying down. Benny broke the kiss and looked at Ethan, eyebrow raised in question. Ethan blushed and bit his lip. "It was easier this way." Benny laughed and grabbed the back of Ethan's head, connecting their lips once again.
…
Sarah stood on Ethan's front porch, debating if she wanted to actually disturb them or not. She knew it was their anniversary, and what they had planned. She looked around and, not seeing anyone, jumped up, flying to Ethan's window. Leaning against the wall next to it to steady herself, she peeked over and quickly moved back, a hand flying to cover the gasp that wanted to escape her lips. Shakily, she looked back over, her fangs digging into her lips.
"Oh my God," she whispered; the two boys were shirtless, Benny hovering over Ethan, his hand somewhere that Sarah could not see, but apparently Benny was doing something right because Ethan was whimpering. She jerked back and, with teary eyes, flew away.
She would bother them tomorrow; she didn't want to see any more of that.
…
"B-Benny, that's en-enough," Ethan got out, his pants unbelievably tight as he boyfriend chuckled against his neck, where he was leaving a sizable red mark. Benny removed his hand, and looked at Ethan.
"You think you're ready?" He whispered into Ethan's ear, making him flush in embarrassment.
"You're a jerk," he muttered, throwing his arm over his eyes. Benny laughed and made Ethan lift his hips, pulling his pants and boxers off before doing the same with his own. As he lifted Ethan's legs up to steady him, he pulled his arm away. "I love you." Benny smiled and leaned down to kiss him.
"I love you too."
…
Ethan was passed out, snoring lightly next to Benny, who was still awake, thinking about how things had come so far for them. He looked at Ethan, whose face was still flush from their earlier activities. He smiled and grabbed his video camera and turned it on, facing it at them.
"I want you to know," he said, indicating the sleeping boy next to him, "I love you, so much. More than I ever thought I could love anyone. And… I want you to know, no matter what happens, no matter what I do, I'm doing it for you. To protect you. Please, remember that. I love you. And I always will. Forever." Benny ended the video and closed his eyes, seeing a flashing green light which made them fly open again. Getting out of bed, he slipped on his pants and looked out the window.
He shivered as he saw the three cloaked figures standing there, watching the house.
They had come for him.
He knew they would.
Moving away from the window, he put his shirt back on as well as his shoes. Scribbling a goodbye note to Ethan, he got his bag and snuck out of the house and to the backyard, where they were waiting.
"You know what will happen if you don't come with us?"
"Yes."
"And you know we will do it, if necessary?"
"Don't hurt him. Please."
"Did you enjoy your last day as Benjamin?"
"Yeah. Thanks for giving me that."
"So you got our warning we presume?"
"Yeah."
"Good. Are you ready to go then?"
"I don't have a choice do I?"
"Unless you want him to die, then no."
"Right. Promise he'll be okay?"
"Yes. And we don't not break promises to other Elementals."
"Good to know." Benny shivered as a long black cloak engulfed him so that he matched the others.
"It's good to have you finally join us Earth." Benny just nodded and turned, looking at Ethan's house one last time before he turned and followed the other three into the dark woods to start his life over.
…
Ethan immediately noticed something was wrong when he woke up; there was no body in the spot next to him. Sitting up and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he looked around and felt a pit open in his chest; all of Benny's stuff was gone, except for the video camera. Ethan leaned over and read the note that was next to it.
'E,
They were going to kill you. I had to leave. I'm sorry.
Watch the video I made you.
I love you.
Benny'
Ethan didn't even have to wonder who the 'they' were; he knew. He had been dreading this ever since they had come for him once before. He closed his eyes to fight the pain that wanted to come forth and opened them to see the video camera. Grabbing it, he hit play. As he watched Benny, still shirtless from their anniversary antics, speak to the camera, and to him, he felt his heart break.
Benny was gone.
And he wasn't coming back.
…
…
…
…
One Year Later:
Earth sat there, waving his hand lazily, making leaves dance around him. He sat in the forest somewhere, his mind drawing a blank. He couldn't remember anything of his life before; all he knew now, and all he'd ever know again, was the bond of the Elementals and his time as Earth.
"Earth?" a soft voice spoke, making him drop the leaves as they came to sit next to him.
"Water. What is it?"
"How are you?"
"… I'm not sure," he finally said, which was something new for him; the Elementals always knew how they were feeling, all the time. "Something feels… off. Like I should be somewhere, doing something, but I don't know what."
"Earth…" she said slowly, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Have you been having weird thoughts?" Earth pondered this, the leaves picking back up and swirling slowly around them.
"I have… How did you know?" Water frowned; she knew who he was before he changed, but he didn't remember anymore.
"Tell me about your thoughts."
"There's a… boy. I do not know him, or why I think of him, but he's there; pale skin. Dark eyes. Darker hair. And a smile… Why am I thinking of this? Of… him? Who is he?"
"Earth, what if I told you there was more to your life than just being an Elemental?"
"Blasphemy. I have been an Elemental my whole life, and nothing more!"
"Come with me," she said, standing up and holding out her hand. "We've got somewhere to go."
"Where? And are the other's joining us?"
"No. This one is just us this time Earth. Come."
…
Ethan was watching a movie with his friends; by friends, he meant Sarah and Rory. They were the only two he could bother to be around these days. He had mostly gotten over Benny abandoning him, and had even gone on a couple dates with various people, including Sarah, since then.
But today would've been their two year anniversary, and he was moping.
So Sarah and Rory had concocted this plan to just harass Ethan with movies until he cheered up.
It wasn't working though.
"Ethan, come on," Sarah said, nudging him. "It's been a whole year. Benny's not coming back."
"I know that," he said, eyes focused on the movie, tone bored. "I don't want him to come back. He'll just break my heart again."
"Well, they did threaten to kill you, so he didn't really have choice…" said Rory, making Ethan shrug.
"Maybe so. But we could've fought them; he still left though."
"Then stop moping about him. Come on," Sarah said, turning off the movie. "Let's go for a walk." The two vampires dragged Ethan out of his house and to the park.
When they got there, Ethan went to sulk on a bench while Sarah and Rory stood around, bored. Sarah, running her fingers through her hair, stopped when she saw something on the other side of the park.
"Rory," she whispered, tilting her head. "Look." Rory turned and felt his eyes widen.
"Is that…"
"Them. Yeah. Keep Ethan distracted, I'll see what they want." Before Rory could even nod, Sarah was gone.
…
"The boy… that's him," Earth said, staring at the boy who had his eyes closed on the bench across the park. "Who is he?" Water looked at him and frowned.
"You really don't know?"
"No. Should I?" She shook her head as they saw someone dash towards them. "What is that?"
"A vampire. Be quiet and let me handle the talking."
"If you want to."
"And keep your hood on!"
"Yes ma'am."
…
"Who are you and what do you want?" Sarah asked, arms crossed. Water lowered her hood, revealing her dark hair and light purple eyes.
"I am Water, of the Elementals," she said, bowing slightly. "I am the only one of the 4 of us who remembers who I once was. I am here in hopes of helping Earth remember himself. I know this day is important to him and the other." Sarah stood there, looking past Water to the other cloaked figure, who stood back and seemed to be looking over her shoulder.
"You mean to tell me that's Benny under that hood?"
"Yes. But he does not remember."
"Why are you doing this? Really?" Water sighed and stepped closer to Sarah, her voice dropping.
"There is rumor of another Earth and Water out there. We will be killed if this is true, for new ones mean stronger power. Once I restore his memories, I will flee to my own hometown in hopes of escape. If we escape with our old memories and no longer use the Elemental powers that plague us, we will be safe from death." Sarah nodded at this as Water backed up; Earth hadn't heard a thing.
"It's been a year. Ethan's pretty shaken up still."
"…Ethan… Is that his name?" Earth asked, finally turning to the vampire; when he saw her, he was surprised to feel anger build up in his chest. "Do I know you?" Sarah looked at him, although she couldn't see his face and back to Water.
"You weren't kidding."
"No."
"Wow. Um," she said, turning back to the hooded Earth. "I'm Sarah."
"…Sarah…" The name sent anger burning through him; he had never hated anyone before and therefore did not know how it felt, but this had to be it. "I don't like you, do I?"
"No, you don't," Sarah said, turning back to Water. "So what do we do?"
"I thought bringing him here would help him remember. And it seems like it might be working… he's remembered his distaste for you."
"Yeah, I've noticed by the way he's glaring at me. Dude, stop," Sarah said, making Earth blink.
"I am sorry. Why do I not like you?"
"Because I tried to steal your boyfriend," Sarah told him, rolling his eyes.
"…Boy…friend…" Earth said slowly, finally removing his hood; Sarah surveyed him, surprised – as a Vampire, her memory was perfect, yet he looked so different. His hair was longer, standing up in various places and long against the back of his neck; his eyes, although still green, held only distrust and anger in them, a hollow version of how Sarah remembered him; his skin was pale, his face hollow and thin; he was taller too, towering almost a foot above her.
"Been one hell of a year for him huh?" she asked Water, who nodded.
"Once the others erased his identity from himself, he just got kind of… wild. Of course, part of that is from being Earth."
"Been…Ben… Benny…" He said slowly, looking at them. The two girls looked at him in surprise. "Is that my name?"
"Yes!" Water cried, moving towards him. "Do you remember yourself?"
"…I don't know," he said, looking at them still. "I feel…weird. Like I'm… missing something."
"He needs to see Ethan," Water said, turning to Sarah. "Please." Sarah seemed to think about this before she nodded and turned.
"Rory, bring Ethan over here." In a second, Ethan was dragged over there, seeing the two cloaked figures and Sarah.
"…No," Ethan said, stepping back. Earth watched him and felt his heart tug at the fear in the boy's voice. "I don't know what trick you guys are playing on me, but stop. This isn't funny."
"Dude… I don't think it's a joke…" Rory said, moving towards him. "I think… that's him."
"No. He's gone. It's not him Ror. He's not coming back." Earth watched him and moved closer, only for Water to stop him.
"You need to remember before you go over there; you don't want to hurt him."
"…I need to talk to him," Earth said, pushing her away gently. "I need to know what I did." Earth walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you…Ethan?" Ethan didn't turn around, although he did nod. "Did I hurt you?"
"You don't remember?"
"He doesn't remember anything; he's just Earth now." Ethan looked at Sarah, not wanting to believe her words until he turned around and saw the vacant look in the green eyes he had longed to forget.
"I'm Ethan."
"Okay."
"You were my best friend. And then, my boyfriend. On our one year anniversary, you left me to join them because they threatened to kill me. That was a year ago, to this day." Earth stood there, looking down at Ethan, who wouldn't meet his eyes. "And now, you don't remember me."
"I've thought of you though," Earth said, lifting a shaking hand to Ethan's chin, making him look at him. "I want to remember you." Ethan shook his head and stepped back.
"But you don't."
"No. I am sorry. For everything. For hurting you like I did. For… abandoning you. For allowing myself to forget about you; I must have loved you very much to do this for you." Ethan nodded and frowned.
"Yeah, you did."
"And did you… love me?"
"I wish I didn't. But yeah, I did. And… I still do." Earth frowned again and stepped back.
"I am sorry." Ethan turned and walked away, leaving them all behind him. Earth watched him go, only to feel Water next to him.
"I'm sorry you haven't remembered yet." Earth was silent as he watched the retreating figure of the slight boy who walked away.
"Earth?"
"Ethan. Ethan!" Ethan turned at the outcry of his name to see Earth moving towards him. "My name was… Benny, right?"
"Yeah," Ethan said, keeping a distance between them still.
"And… I lived with my…grandma?" Ethan just nodded as he moved a little closer. "And…I…I…was a….spell master." Another nod, and another step closer. "And I… I love you." Ethan smiled and nodded.
"Loved."
"No. Love. I… might not remember myself completely, but I remember enough. I'm sorry for leaving you." Ethan shook his head as the two neared each other.
"It was a stupid thing to do." Earth finally smiled and nodded.
"I bet it was."
"Well, it's good to see you again, Earth."
"Call me… Benny."
"Benny."
"Ethan." Earth, now Benny, smiled and reached for Ethan. "Can I…hug you?" Ethan nodded and let himself be wrapped in the arms he had never forgotten. "I love you Ethan." Ethan chuckled and rested his head against the dark cloth of the cloak. "I'm sorry I had to forget about you."
"It's okay. You remember now?"
"I remember enough. And I will never leave you again."
"Good."
Water watched them before she turned to Sarah and Rory.
"He's in good hands now. He'll be back to normal soon enough. I must go, before they come looking for me."
"Will they come for him?"
"No, he's already begun to accept his old life again. It'll be okay now. They'll be safe now."
…
Never thought this day would come, but here it is.
'TROUBLE ALWAYS SEEMS TO FIND US' is over. This is the final chapter. I hope it was everything everyone wanted.
Thanks to you all for reading it up to now. Every review meant so much to me.
Thank you all.
-JustMe133